Fire safety week

Politicans and fire services personnel were all fired up at the national launch of Fire Safety Week earlier this month. The event took place in Dublin Fire Brigade"s Training Centre in the O"Brien Institute, Marino, by Michael Kitt, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Present at the launch was Mr. Noel Burke Chief Fire Officer for Cavan County Fire Service. Jointly run with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Fire Safety Week, October 6 to 13 is about enhancing fire safety, particularly in the home. The Minister referred to this year"s Fire Safety Week theme 'Fire Safety is your Safety', which he said 'puts the focus on the importance of looking out for each other in the community'. Chief Fire Officer Mr. Noel Burke explained: 'Unfortunately, on average 46 people die in Ireland each year as a result of fire. Tragically, over 90% of the incidents occur in the home. Something as simple as fitting smoke alarms could be the difference between life and death. I recommend that every home should be fitted with smoke alarms, which are tested regularly, at least once a week. Smoke Alarms do save lives.' Nationally, Fire Safety Week marked the beginning of an intensive media campaign, which will run until Christmas. Locally in the community, Cavan County fire fighters have been doing their part to heighten public awareness of the dangers of fire and fire safety in the home. During the week, their activities included a chip pan fire demonstration, which was set up at Cavan Institute and outside the Post Office at the Main Square in Cavan Town. Fire Safety talks were also carried out across the county to a variety of audience such as senior citizens and school children. In addition, open evenings were held at various local fire stations across the county, which proved to be very successful.